The calima in Spain: Saharan dust and air quality
The calima is a haze of suspended dust that arrives from the Sahara Desert, above all to the Canary Islands, but also to mainland Spain.
How it affects you
The sky turns orange and murky, visibility drops and air quality worsens. Intense episodes, like the one in March 2022, coated much of the country in dust. It especially affects people with respiratory problems.
How to protect yourself
- During an intense calima, avoid outdoor exercise.
- Keep windows closed and look after people with asthma or allergies.
- Check the day's air-quality index.